The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) showcased its pivotal role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the 1st Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Conference on SDGs, held on August 27th and 28th in Abuja.
The event, which brought together stakeholders from across the educational sector, featured a presentation by Mr. Mustapha Iyal, the Executive Director, Operations of NELFUND, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr.
In his address, Mr. Iyal emphasized the critical importance of education in driving Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the SDGs.
He introduced NELFUND’s mission to eliminate financial barriers for students pursuing tertiary education, framing the initiative as a cornerstone of national development.
Highlighting the impact of NELFUND, Mr. Iyal acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in establishing the Fund and launching the student loan scheme.
He noted that the scheme, which offers interest-free loans to students in public institutions, is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to enhance access to quality education and reduce inequality.
Mr. Iyal provided a comprehensive overview of NELFUND’s operations, revealing that the Fund has received over 2.4 million student records and processed 218,920 loan applications to date.
He also reported that 19 tertiary institutions have already begun receiving loan disbursements, marking a significant milestone in the Fund’s efforts to support Nigerian students.
Further detailing the loan disbursement process, Mr. Iyal underscored NELFUND’s alignment with the SDGs, particularly in promoting quality education, fostering economic growth, and reducing inequalities.
He highlighted the upcoming Skills Acquisition Program, which is set to launch soon, as a vital initiative that will equip students with practical skills to enhance their employability and contribute to the nation’s economic development.
Mr. Iyal reiterated NELFUND’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and excellence in education. He emphasized that by empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders through education, NELFUND is playing a crucial role in building a sustainable and prosperous future for the country.
The conference, which brought together leaders from various educational institutions, provided a platform for NELFUND to demonstrate its commitment to the SDGs and its vision of a future where financial constraints no longer hinder educational pursuits.
Signed:
Nasir Ayitogo
For: Director, Corporate Communications
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